cucaracha
“cucaracha” means “cockroach” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cockroach
Also: roach
📝 In Action
Hay una cucaracha corriendo por el suelo de la cocina.
A1There is a cockroach running across the kitchen floor.
Las cucarachas pueden sobrevivir en condiciones muy difíciles.
A2Cockroaches can survive in very difficult conditions.
Mi hermano les tiene fobia a las cucarachas voladoras.
B1My brother has a phobia of flying cockroaches.
jalopy
Also: old banger
📝 In Action
No puedo creer que esa cucaracha todavía funcione.
B2I can't believe that old jalopy still works.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cucaracha
Question 1 of 3
What is the correct way to say 'the male cockroach'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from 'cuco' (a bug or caterpillar), combined with a suffix. It became famous worldwide largely due to the Mexican Revolution song.
First recorded: 16th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cucaracho' a real word?
Technically no, in standard Spanish 'cucaracha' is used for both genders. However, in very informal slang in some countries, people might jokingly say 'cucaracho' to refer to a man they find annoying or 'slimy'.
Why is the song 'La Cucaracha' so famous?
It became a symbol during the Mexican Revolution, with the lyrics often changed to mock political figures or describe the hardships of the soldiers.
How do I pluralize it?
Simply add an 's' to the end: 'las cucarachas'.